Autism is a spectrum condition – it can affect brothers and sisters in lots of different ways. Autistic people may need lots of help or very little help. Some autistic people have difficulties learning and others do not. You can’t tell that someone is autistic just by looking at them. Autism lasts for all of a person’s life but they can still do a lot of things and learn a lot of skills.
What is it like for siblings if their brother or sister has autism?
Siblings often have a really good relationship with their autistic brothers and sisters. However, they may sometimes feel that everything is about putting their brother or sisters’ needs first. It may be hard to go on days out or to do things that other families do. Even though siblings understand that their brother or sister need lots of extra attention and help sometimes, they can feel left out or jealous of the extra time which their parents spend with them. They may feel that they have to look after their brother or sister all the time.
Why is my brother or sister autistic?
It is thought that autism is caused by genetics. Scientists are still trying to understand more about it. People are born with it, though it may not be noticed while they are very young. You cannot catch it like a cold or flu.
What does it mean?
If someone is autistic, their brain works differently. They may not always understand what is happening, or why. They sometimes find it hard to be around other people or they may react differently to what is going on around them.
Autistic people may be affected in 3 different ways.
- Communication – autistic people may have different ways of speaking or talking. They may have just a few words, or if they do speak, they find it hard to say what they mean. They may copy what people say, or talk a lot about their favourite subject and they may ask the same question lots of times. It might be tricky for your brother or sister to understand body language – they might not understand from your expressions whether you are cross or happy.
- Behaviours and interests – Autistic people may like doing the same things at the same times every day and get upset when these routines are broken. They may like to have things always in the same place. Your brother or sister may also have lots of things they are good at. They might be good at concentrating on one activity at a time or have interesting hobbies or topics they know lots about.
- Senses – Some autistic people are also affected through their senses. They may be more sensitive or less sensitive than non-autistic people. Their hearing may be very sensitive and they may not like loud noises. They may have a very strong sense of taste and be only like a small number of types of food. They may not enjoy being touched or hugged.
What treatment is there?
There is no cure for autism but people who have it can have happy and enjoyable lives even if they need some extra help.
This has been written based on information published on the National Autistic Society website 2025.